Waiting in Hawaii, 2 Hurricanes

Due to concerns of potential damage to the plane from hurricane Hector and Lane at Hilo, I relocated "May" to the island of Maui. Thanks to the Van's Airforce community (Ed, Scott, Eric, and Brad) I was able to secure a hanger at Kahului Airport (PHOG). 

The winds aloft forecast for the Hawaii/California flight does not look favorable for the next three weeks. I decided to fly home commercially, rest and prepare for the final leg of the trip. When I return to Hawaii around August 21, I will complete work on the aircraft, fly back to Hilo, and wait for the right moment to fly the 2000+nm to California.  

August 21 - I learned that Hurricane Hector dumped nearly 52 inches (132 cm) of rain on Hilo.  To provide a perspective, It is about 52 inches from the ground to the spinner tip level, as shown in the photo below.  Hilo was still littered with debris from the recent flooding. It was the right decision to relocate the plane to Maui. ​

Hilo, BIg Island, Hawaii.  After a harrowing flight through the ITCZ from Christmas Island, Air Services Hawaii welcomes me to Hilo with a lei and a Kona Longboard beer.  Thank you Tommy B! 

Small plane. Huge upcoming ocean crossing.

While waiting for the ideal weather window to California, I flew a volcano tour with "Blue Hawaiian" helicopters.  It felt great to let someone else be the captain. 

Banyan Drive, known as the "Hilo Walk of Fame", is lined with trees planted by celebrities and adventurers, including  pilot  Amelia Earhart. 

​Historic photos of aviation in Hawaii.

Credit: Hawaii Aviation - Hawaii.gov, TripAdvisor

Sunday afternoon entertainment.  

Lava destroyed homes in the Vacationland, Hawaii area. I heard from local sources that none of these homes were insured and FEMA provided no post disaster assistance.  Many people are still living out of their cars, months after their homes were destroyed.

Dramatic Hilo coastline.

Crossing the windy strait between the Big Island and Maui.  I repositioned "May" to a hanger in Maui due to hurricane Lane and Hector approaching Hilo.

A summary of the 2018 Hawaii hurricane season